Tercüman Building

The Tercüman Building (Tercüman Newspaper Printing and Administration Facilities) is a building in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in 1974 on the State road D.100 by Tercüman newspaper.

It is an iconic building that has played an important part in 20th-century Turkish architecture narratives with its unorthodox form. The building has been designed by Günay Çilingiroğlu and Muhlis Tunca, and its static project was designed by Rasin Etiman. The building had different owners throughout the years. In 2023, due to an earthquake risk, it was demolished through the decision of the property owners.

History
The building was obtained through a project as a result of an invited competition held by Tercüman Newspaper and Printing in 1972. The construction was completed in 1974. The process of moving into the building continued until the middle of 1976.

The building which had several owners throughout the years was used by establishments such as the Anadolu Agency and the Press Release Institution. Its latest name was the Toyota Plaza.

The Tercüman newspaper building had been put under protection due to its architectural value by the Istanbul Regional Culture and Nature Protection Institution's decision in 2010. In 2012, the protection was lifted due to "[the building] not carrying importance in regards to its historical, archeological, environmental or other features". It was demolished through the decision of the property owners in 2023.

Architectural features
The structure consists of 3 blocks. The first block consists of the lowest three floors, housing functions like shelter, central, basement, printing house, and entrance. The second block is three mezzanine floors containing editorial offices, and the administration and social units of the newspaper. The last two floors are dedicated to the upper management, companies, and cafeteria functions.

The main entrance is located on the northwest facade facing the E5 highway. There is a service entrance on the southeast facade facing Gümüşsuyu Davutpaşa Street. Additionally, there are ramp entrances in the basement where papers are brought in and newspapers are distributed.

Reaction to its demolition
Former branch chair of the Istanbul Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects, Esin Köymen, has expressed that the Tercüman Building was one of the most special buildings of its age, that he thought that it would be replaced by a tall building and that important values were lost for the sake of real estate and profit.